| Welcome! This page on the MDA website spotlights childhood
health and nutrition. We will be offering tips for both parents and health
professionals. In the future we'll be expanding our list of references and
resources. Thanks for visiting, and for helping MDA give ALL children
a healthier future!
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| TIPS FOR HAVING A HEALTHY CLASSROOM PARTY
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Tips for Parents and Teachers
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| Classroom parties can be fun and healthy. Here are some tips to help
plan a healthy party. |
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Safety Tips:
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- Remember to follow these 4 steps for serving safe food:
- Clean (wash hands and food-contact surfaces).
- Chill (refrigerate promptly).
- Cook (cook foods to proper temperatures).
- Separate (be aware of and avoid potentials for cross-contamination).
- Be familiar with the most common food allergens:
- Eight foods account for 90% of food-allergic reactions: milk, egg, peanut,
tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
- The most common food allergens for children are eggs, milk, and peanuts.
- If you are planning a party of young children, be aware of foods that are potential
choking hazards for that age group. Things such as whole grapes, sliced hot dogs, hard
candies, or other items that are small enough to lodge in a child's throat.
Healthy Tips:
- Incorporate physical activity through active games or dancing.
- Limit the quantity of food provided or consider a celebration without food.
- If food is served, plan a menu full of healthy choices.
- Try to limit the amount of sweets and high-fat snacks to 25% or less of the
food being served.
- Quick and Easy Snack Ideas:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Pretzels
- Crackers and peanutbutter
- Baked chips and salsa
- Fresh fruit (with yogurt dip or peanut butter)
- Veggie sticks (with lowfat dip)
- 100% juice or water
- Animal crackers
- For additional healthy snack ideas refer to "Healthy Snacks for Kids" Childhood Nutrition Tip
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Tips for Health Professionals
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| Classroom parties are a good way to help teach children valuable social
skills and can be an opportunity to reinforce the message of healthy eating
and nutrition. By increasing a child's awareness of nutritional issues, their
ability to develop life-long healthy habits is strengthened. Incorporating
healthy treats and physical activity are two ways to turn a classroom party
into celebration of health. |
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References/Links
Obesity Evaluation and Treatment: Expert Committee Recommendations-
an article from PEDIATRICS Vol. 102 No. 3 September 1998.
Michigan Department of Community Health
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development
US Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control
United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan.
National Dairy Council.
Visit the Health Professionals link for the 3-A-Day campaign, Nutrition Library,
Newer Knowledge of Dairy Foods, Statements, and Consumer Education materials.
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